Hard Decisions

Mom has debated about whether or not to write this post but feels it is an important topic regardless of any backlash she might get. While working for the rescue, she has seen many occasions where people have reached out for help with their kitties because they have to move and can’t take them with them. Some of the very condemning responses went something like, “How awful those people are. I would never give up my babies. I just wouldn’t move someplace where I couldn’t take them.” Mom is so glad that she never judged those people. No matter what you think you know, you don’t know the whole story.

Fontana

When mom bought her condo twelve years ago, she never dreamed she would ever have to move from it. Then came the down turn in the economy. After struggling through that, she was hit with health issues which further deteriorated her economic situation. So, eventually, it became inevitable that she would have to find another place for us to live.

As you may know, I have two adopted brothers and two adopted sisters for a total of five of us. When you own your own home, the only thing limiting how many animals you have is whether or not you are willing to ignore animal control regulations. Mom always felt that indoor cats bother no one, so since we were all well taken care of, she did just that. Well, when you move some place owned by someone else, you can no longer ignore the rules.

You may have read on my Big Change Revealed post, mom didn’t tell us right away what was going on. That’s because she was desperately trying to find a situation where she could take all of us. But, sadly, that did not happen. Now she is faced with having to re-home Ocean, Fontana and Philly. Mom’s eyes are leaking as she is typing this. Her heart is broken for them but she can only take two of us to our new home. I don’t know why I am one of the lucky ones because Ocean came before me. You can read Echo’s story to see why mom is taking him. Mom is determined to find Ocean, Fontana and Philly the very best new homes. Because they were all adopted from MeoowzResQ, they will help her do that.

Philly and Ocean

So, mom said she wanted to write this to remind people to be more loving and tolerant of one another. We never can know all the hard decisions that went into a choice someone else has made.

18 Responses to Hard Decisions

My Lordy! What a horrible decision to have to make. Our hearts go out to your mom. She is a strong lady, knowing 3 fur babies have to go but not relaxing until the 3 have homes. I respect your mom for her honesty and she is so right. We cannot prejudge people…..there might be a darned good reason for their behaviour.

We applaud you for the courage to reveal what you are having to go through, and also for having the caring and compassion to work with a rescue group to help you rehome your 3 kitties. It is those who abandon cats or dump them at kill shelters who draw the wrath of cat lovers. You are doing this the best way. Good luck and take care!

There is not one of us who envies having to make such a hard decision. No one should ever make light of, or make harsh statements about, a choice such as this. We are so very sorry you find yourself in this position and know you will make the best possible choices you can under the times you find yourself in.

You are so right…people shouldn’t leap to judgement before knowing circumstances because sometimes we are backed into a corner and have to do something we wouldn’t otherwise ever do…..we are hoping that the three kitties that couldn’t make the move will find new homes and I’m sure they will…..life is full of surprises – some good and some bad. What we have to do is go with the flow and just do the best we can. People shouldn’t cast stones – one day it could be them in the situation and they would realize how hurtful those stones can be.

We’re so sorry this is happening to your familiy. Yu’re right, though, there is no way to judge unless you’ve been in someone’s shoes. We adopted this time last year from a rescue and it went heartbreakingly wrong for the resident cats, and our boy had to go back to foster with the rescue. You have to make the best decisions you can for you and your family. We’re glad that the rescue is being so supportive of you, too. That makes a big difference in a painful situation.

Mommy’s heart is breaking for you. She can only imagine the agony you are going through. She has family in Southern California and will share your story. She also suggests that you reach out to Janiss Garza (Angel Sparkle and Summer’s mom) to see if she has any suggestions. We pray that you can find a home that can take all three together or at least homes where you can stay in touch and even visit. We have two cats over the limit set by the city we live in and Mom can’t imagine what she would do if she had to give any of us up. I think most of us are appalled by pet parents who simply leave their kitties behind assuming someone will find them and take them in or they just drop them at a kill shelter. You are doing the extremely hard but responsible thing, and we will all be purring and praying for you and your beloved fur children. XO, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo and Mom Janet

We’re so sorry to hear that your mom has had to make this heartbreaking decision, but we’re glad that the rescue is going to help find Ocean, Fontana and Philly a new home. We totally agree with you about not judging people who give up their cats to a shelter or some other responsible place. Mom adopted me and Sammi from a shelter and we were both owner surrendered for various reasons. Those people did the responsible thing and gave us a second chance. Yes, some shelters are high kill and lots of cats don’t get a chance to find a new home, but we think it’s even worse for people to abandon their cats to try to fend for themselves. We wish you the very best of luck in finding Ocean, Fontana and Philly a new home and maybe the new owners will send you an update on them.

No chance to sneak all of you in? One of my Twitter furrends has 5 in his rented apartment which is 3 over the rules. Yeah, I guess I rush to judgment but mostly when people leave the cats outside when they move or they marry someone who doesn’t like cats. Good luck with the rehoming.

We’re so sorry your mom has to make this decision. We can only imagine how difficult this is for her. But we know she will do the right thing for Ocean, Fontana and Philly…and will find them the best homes. We send you all big purrs.

Thank you for your bravery in writing this post. I can feel the pain in each and every word. I live in a condo complex that only permits 2 pets. Thankfully, I had my two when I lived here. Had I moved in with my husband and had more than 2 pets to bring with me, I don’t know what I would have done. Thank you for reminding us that you are right, we don’t always know the ENTIRE story. I am sure they will find wonderful homes, sending you (((hugs))) and love. I admire your bravery.

Oh no! We are so sorry that your mom is having to give up three of her babies. We can’t even imagine how difficult that must be for her. We know you will miss them too, Christy 🙁 You are so right though – we should never judge others because we never know their whole story. We will share your post to help spread the work about Ocean, Fontana, and Philly. We will do what we can to help find them loving homes. Our mommy wishes she could help out and keep them for your mommy… but our house is full with 5 kitties too 🙁 Sending lots of love, hugs, and purrs to your and your family. Please let us know if there’s anything else we can do.